Thanks to the Internet, many companies need to know their international
shipping options. Alexander F. Bouri, CEO of the global company Seament, feels
that choosing the best mode of transportation is crucial to export success. Consider
the below options when choosing to ship internationally.
- Shipping by Sea - It is important to note that most international bulk transport is done by sea. This is also your most economical option, but it will likely be the slowest mode of transportation. For example, a typical shipment from a port in Europe to the United States takes approximately twelve days. There are currently an array of ships that specialize in shipping bulk items such as dry goods, liquids, and perishable items.
- Shipping by Train - This is a common shipping method when transporting bulk goods, especially when bringing them to an international export destination. When using rail, you may have to pay a transshipment cost because the freight often has to be transferred to another mode of delivery. You can reduce these costs by choosing shipping containers that can be easily moved from one mode of transportation to another.
- Shipping by Truck - This is one of the most popular methods of freight transportation because it is easily accessible, regardless of where a company is located. Further, it is typically a truck that takes bulk items to their final destination. When working with a trucking company, you will need to know whether your shipment is considered less-than-truckload (LTL) or truckload (TL). When shipping LTL, you're typically dealing with cargo that weighs less than or equal to about 15,430 pounds; anything weighing over that is considered a TL and will most likely be charged a per mile rate.
- Shipping by Plane - If what you're trying to ship needs to reach its final destination quickly, then this is the best option. When shipping by air, the cost is typically determined by weight, so transporting in bulk can get very expensive, very fast. Often, this is worth the price because these shipments can be easily tracked and monitored.
Obviously, each mode of transportation has its own pros and cons. In most
cases, shipments will require several different modes of transportation to
reach their final destination, so it's just a matter of choosing the ones that
make the most sense for your company. In order to select the best method, Alexander F. Bourisuggests that you consider your budget and your clients'
needs.
